From what I remember, most of people thought that it was either a flaming turd at worst, and at best okay but not worth the over-a-decade-wait. People were expecting it to suck before it came out, anyway.

I'm not surprised at the Metallica, though. The standards for that band were so low people were happy with Death Magnetic.

Agreed on both counts.

But still, being happy 'cause it doesn't suck doesn't mean it's worth a top entry.